Experience
See an Everyday Essential Come to Life on a Shichifuku Towel Factory Tour
Overview
Founded in 1959, Shichifuku Towel is an Imabari manufacturer that handles every stage in-house, from planning and design to production and inspection. At its head factory in Tomita Shinko, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture—the heart of Imabari towel production—a guided tour lets visitors observe the entire process up close, from preparing the yarn to weaving, sewing, and inspection. The tour introduces a workplace where traditional skills meet modern machinery. It clearly explains the materials and design choices, quality-control standards, and other behind-the-scenes practices that support the Imabari Towel brand. Because the factory is in the Imabari area near temples of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, it is easy to include as a half-day activity offering a glimpse of Japanese craftsmanship between temple visits.
Highlights
This experience engages your eyes, ears, and hands, revealing the craftsmanship and dedication to quality behind every towel.
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Where Advanced Machinery Meets the Craftsman's Eye
Walk with a guide along production lines filled with machines weaving a variety of materials and original patterns. A highlight is handling finished products while learning how different yarns and weaving methods affect texture and absorbency.
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Integrated Production and the Meaning of a “Towel You Can Trust”
Because Shichifuku Towel handles everything in-house, from planning through sewing and inspection, its quality standards and inspection criteria are clearly shared across the factory. The tour offers a look at some of these practices. Learning both the standards unique to the Imabari towel region and the manufacturer's own innovations turns shopping into an informed choice rather than a simple souvenir purchase.
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The attentive guidance and small-group format—one to four
people per group—create a warm welcome that echoes the spirit of osettai, the hospitality extended to pilgrims.
Information
Please note that prices, services, and booking procedures were current at the time of writing and are subject to change.
- Location：
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Shichifuku Towel Co., Ltd., Head Factory
1-2-2 Tomita Shinko, Imabari, Ehime 799-1503
- Nearest Temple：
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Temple 55, Nankobo (Imabari), on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Please use a map app to confirm the exact distance and travel time.
- Duration：
- Factory tour: approximately 60 minutes (sample start times: 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.)
- Price：
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Factory tour fee: ¥12,000 per group (tax included)
・One group: 1–4 people
・Groups of five or more must book an additional group
Please confirm the latest prices and conditions when booking.
- Language：
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Factory guidance is primarily in Japanese.
English information is available online, and English-language assistance may be arranged; please confirm when booking.
- Booking：
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Advance booking is required.
Inquiry form
・Reservations phone: 0898-36-6020
・Tours are generally unavailable on weekends, public holidays, during the New Year holidays, and other extended holiday periods.
check official information for the latest opening days and booking conditions.